Of the three major video game publishers, Nintendo has been the longest-running, as they’ve been in the business since the 80’s. With over 40 years of experience, they have a unique view on the world of games, which we see in consoles like the Switch, or in franchises like Animal Crossing. However, they also know that to stay stagnant is to invite death, and at E3 2018, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime noted that the company is dedicated to expanding its reach in many ways, and they’ll continue to explore new ways to do so.
“We see ourselves as making worldwide consumers smile through our intellectual property. Fundamentally, we do that four ways,” Fils-Aime explained to IGN. “We do it with mobile. We do it with our licensed relationships with other companies [like Kellog’s]…We have other entertainment, which is where we put Universal Studios and Illumination. Then we have our dedicated video game business.
The Mario animated movie that’s in the works with Illumination is a big deal for the company, and Reggie notes that their top priority with the film is making sure it’s quality and fun:
“Certainly our focus from a Nintendo perspective as well as working with such an accomplished partner like Illumination is to make sure that what is created is something both fans will love as well as it will be a great introduction to folks who are not as familiar with the world of Mario,” Fils-Aime said.
It’s clear that Nintendo wants to keep expanding their reach so that everyone knows who they are, and by extension will want to buy their games. It’s a good strategy, and with the Switch’s continued sales, it’s likely that they’ll be the biggest video game brand in the world should everything fall their way, especially if they get more partnerships lined up.
